Weekend in the Parks

We’re approaching the end of August, but there’s no end of things to do this weekend at your Fairfax County Parks.

Friday

The Best Medicine: More comedy to start the weekend right, with Cool Cow Comedy Presents at the Workhouse. Featuring comedians Randolph Terrance, Tim Miller and Andy Kline, the three headliners from the “Three Guys On” podcast. Hosted by Rahmein Mostafavi, who has appeared at DC Improv, Riot Act and Richmond Funny Bone, among others. Advance reservations strongly recommended, as previous performances have sold out. 8 p.m. Workhouse Arts Center. $15/person. (18 and above only.) For information call 703-584-2900.

Swing Shift: Bringing the big band era to life! More energy, more spirit, more get-down New Orleans style! Audience favorites range from classics like “Sweet Georgia Brown” and “When the Saints Go Marching In” to the band’s own delirious non-standards. The show is part of the Summer Entertainment Series featuring performances Wednesday through Sunday at venues around the county. 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Lake Accotink Park. Free. For information call 703-324-8702.

Saturday

Flower Power: Big on begonias? Then you won’t want to miss the Annual Begonia Show and Sale taking place at Green Spring this weekend. The Potomac Branch of the American Begonia Society will tempt you with splashes of color and shape for homes and greenhouses that last long after frosts have put the outdoor garden to bed. The sale offers a wide variety of begonias, including subtropical species. 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Noon to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.) Green Spring Gardens. Free. For information call 703-642-5173.

Exploring the World of Aquatic Insects Part 1: Did you know that in most freshwater environments, aquatic insects are usually the largest and most diverse group of organisms? From muddy ponds to fast-moving streams, Northern Virginia is home to a staggering array of aquatic insects ranging from the pestering mosquito to the graceful dragonfly. Explore the vital role each insect plays in its ecosystem and discuss the clues that will help you identify aquatic insects in your own backyard. This is a two-part program. (Part 2 will be a field trip to Bull Run Regional Park on Saturday, Sept. 1 at 2 p.m.) 2 to 3 p.m. Potomac Overlook Regional Park. Free. For information and reservations call 703-528-5406.

Starlight Cinema – Kung Fu Panda 2: Po joins forces with a group of new kung-fu masters to take on an old enemy with a deadly new weapon in “Kung Fu Panda 2 – Kaboom of Doom” featuring the voices of Jack Black and Angelina Jolie. The evening will begin with an outdoor pre-movie program of music, food and children’s activities. Bring a picnic, blanket and chairs and enjoy a movie under the stars. 6 p.m. Trinity Centre. Free. For information call 703-324-7469.

Monarch Tagging and Waystation Gardening: Meet monarch caterpillars and butterflies up close and discover fun facts about their metamorphosis and their preparations for autumn travel to Mexico. Participate in tagging monarchs and learn how to attract these and other garden jewels to your backyard. 2 to 3 p.m. or 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Hidden Oaks Nature Center. $5/person. Register online. For information call 703-941-1065.

Information was correct at time of publication. Please contact individual event sites to confirm programs are being held as scheduled.